That’s kind of the story with the Suns. They have some shot-makers but don’t really have anybody to get the ball to those shot-makers in space, at least without turning it over half the time they try. Josh Jackson, the fourth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, had three assists and five turnovers off the bench.

I did notice one name in the box score: Elie Okobo. He’s an African who grew up in France and whom the Suns took with the first pick in the second round in this most recent draft. He had four assists without a turnover and on the season is averaging 2.4 dimes and 1.4 TOs per game.

He’s only played 27 games this season and averaged about eighteen minutes per but I’m going to keep my eye on him, as the Suns look for another playmaker who can find space for the likes of DeAndre Ayton and TJ Warren as finishers.

Toronto Raptors

As far as assist numbers go, the Raptors are right in the middle of the league, averaging between 24 and 25 per game, as a team. The turnover numbers are roughly the same.

That mediocre playmaking is part of the reason Toronto just hasn’t been able to get it done in the NBA Playoffs. Kawhi Leonard isn’t really dropping any more dimes this season than DeMar DeRozan had in previous ones with the Raptors, though DeRozan is throwing more assists as a Spur this season.

Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet lead the way with about fourteen assists and four turnovers, per game, as a duo. Leonard and Paskal Siakam chip in about three per game, each.

It should be plenty to win this game without trouble. Toronto lost in Boston on Wednesday night without the likes of Jonas Valanciunas, CJ Miles and OG Anunoby. It doesn’t sound likely any of the three will play in this game.

Of course, there’s always a possibility Leonard sits the second night of a back-to-back, especially against a cupcake like Phoenix. That will make it tough to play the Raptors.

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